Nintendo is bringing back the NES Classic next month

Nintendo released its first miniature retro console with the NES Classic back in 2016, with its immense popularity rapidly stripping vendors of their stock. The publisher quickly changed its stance on what was supposed to be a limited run, promising extended sales throughout 2018. It looks like this time is almost upon us, as Nintendo has geared up production to hit shelves next month.

The NES Classic release in November 2016, bringing back 30 classic titles from the original NES, including icons such as The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario and Metroid. Demand became too much for Nintendo after 5.3 million sales, which resulted in the company axing production of the miniature console just four months later.

While demand was indeed strong for the NES Classic, many suspect the release of the SNES Classic in September 2017 to be the primary reason that Nintendo shifted focus. This follow-up launched with 21 iconic titles, as well as packing in the first official release of Star Fox 2. Proving to be just as popular as its predecessor, Nintendo handled stock of its SNES Classic significantly better, paving the way for the return of the NES Classic.

Nintendo will be pitting the return of its NES Classic up against its flagship Nintendo Switch later this year, when the company’s $20-per-year online subscription service launches, giving players access to 20 NES games alongside its multiplayer features.

The NES Classic is expected to be back in rotation by June 29th, with both Classic miniature consoles to remain available until the end of 2018.

KitGuru Says: I have little love for Nintendo’s Classic brand, given that it quite possibly has impacted on the company’s decision to forgo the Virtual Console on the Nintendo Switch. Still, those that are interested should grab either Classic console before the end of the year as Nintendo has not revealed plans beyond 2018 for the miniature consoles. Will you be picking one up?